Statement of Senator Ricardo Lara on New Bill to Require ICE Agents Have Warrants to Enter Courts and Schools

September 11, 2017

SACRAMENTO, California – Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) issued the following statement on the newly introduced Senate Bill 183, which would require that ICE agents obtain a warrant before entering a state building, including a California courthouse, school or college:

“All Californians should be alarmed by reports that ICE agents are entering courts and detaining immigrants at schools. Arresting people inside courts or schools interferes with the practice of justice. Arresting parents at schools disrupts students’ education and sends fear through our communities.

“As the California Chief Justice has said, ‘Courthouses should not be used as bait’ for immigrant enforcement, and the same is true for schools.

“Courthouses, schools and other state offices are a refuge for millions of the most vulnerable Californians, and immigrants should not be afraid to come to court or take their children to school.

“Senate Bill 183 will help protect Californians’ security and constitutional rights, and I will work with stakeholders from our courts and schools during the fall to move the bill forward in January.”